Lovran, (IKA) – A call for harmony, unity and the creation of an atmosphere of hope was the essence of the message issued by the bishops who participated in the 41st Plenary Session of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, held in Lovran from October 19 to 21, as well as concern regarding certain phenomena in various areas of our society.
In this message, the Croatian bishops speak out because they cannot remain indifferent toward the events and circumstances in which we are presently living, and cannot be silent due to the creation of an atmosphere of uncertainty, disorientation, distrust, disunity, the spreading of fear, the loss of criteria and the failure to recognize values. They support the efforts by relevant institutions to eliminate lawlessness and injustice, and to strengthen the rule of law and promote human dignity, although they also recognize behavior that intentionally strengthens the impression of instability and hopelessness in our society, for which the mass media are greatly responsible through their frequent decisions to ignore events and contents that help build fundamental social values. Such selectivity is detrimental to a healthy national spirit, according to the members of the CCB.
In the message, it is concluded that the logic of profits prevents the media from focusing upon the good. Therefore, the bishops urge Catholics in the media not to accept behavior that is unacceptable to Christianity. In this sense, they warn that everyone is responsible for the image conveyed by the media.
While we are facing current difficulties, continue the Croatian bishops, we must not ignore all the good that has been accomplished during the past twenty years of Croatian independence, bearing in mind that various forms of the present crisis have their roots in the former communist system. Solidarity, community, harmony and unity were our support in all the great historical trials, and are also needed today to provide impetus for modern Croatia, stress the bishops, adding that the truth about the foundations of modern Croatia are primarily a matter of pride, and not shame; magnanimity, and not despair.
In the message, the bishops ask in whose interest it is for Croatian people not to be united and not to find solutions to contemporary challenges in harmony. We need solidarity, active compassion and the readiness to renounce our comfort for the good of others and the entire community because, as stated in the message, if our neighbor is not happy, our happiness is diminished.
In reference to our political reality, the bishops point out that it is painful to observe the sterile and complacent lack of political gravitas that transforms serious topics and actual national interests into tasteless debates, without apparent concern for the future, that we need economic advancement based upon the natural resources that have been given to us and that it is necessary for us to educate children, support families and preserve our national treasures.
The bishops note that today via the media, often without concern for the truth or progress, doubts are raised, trust is destroyed, and the honest work of individuals and institutions is called into questions with irresponsible labeling, accusations and condemnations. The bishops express their regret that the activity of the Church is approached in a superficial manner, as well as that of other institutions, which, despite the multitude of obstacles, intrinsically possess the power to transform society.
The members of the CCB urge the institutions that are the pillars of our society, particularly educational, scientific and cultural institutions, to come together with noble and feasible economic goals in united activity for the good of the homeland, which requires perseverance in the face of obstacles.
In the message, which can be read in its entirety under Dokumenti on the IKA website, the bishops urge us not to allow the temptation of despondency to prevail among us.